Maryland just launched a brand-new program called UPLIFT, and if you've been sitting on the sidelines because you don't have enough saved for a down payment or closing costs, this might be exactly what you've been waiting for. Launched in July 2026 through the Maryland Mortgage Program, UPLIFT covers your down payment and your closing costs — at the same time — with a single zero-interest loan. The catch? It only works on a specific list of homes the state has already approved. Keep reading and we'll walk through how the whole thing works, where the homes are, who qualifies, and how to get moving.
What Is the UPLIFT Program?
UPLIFT stands for a new initiative under the Maryland Mortgage Program designed to help first-time buyers purchase homes from the state's official UPLIFT property list. The big idea is simple: instead of scrambling to pull together a down payment and closing costs separately, the state wraps both into one assistance package. That's a meaningful difference from older programs that only helped with one or the other.
The program was built using a lender directive and a detailed program guide, so the rules are clearly spelled out for lenders and buyers alike. It's a real, structured program — not a rumor or a pilot.
How the 5% Assistance Actually Works
Here's the core of the deal: UPLIFT gives you a 5% assistance loan that you can use toward your down payment and closing costs. This loan carries zero interest and has no monthly payment. It's what's called a deferred loan, meaning you don't pay it back month to month — repayment is deferred until you sell, refinance, or pay off the home.
For buyers who are stretched thin on savings, this structure is huge. You're not adding another bill to your monthly budget. The loan just sits there quietly until you eventually move on from the home.
The Second Loan That Melts Away Over Time
Here's where UPLIFT gets even more interesting. On many of the UPLIFT homes, there is a second "soft" note — sometimes called an appraisal-gap note — that is separate from the 5% assistance loan. The good news about this note is that it shrinks by 20% every year you live in the home.
Do the math: if you stay in the home for five years, that second note is completely gone. It essentially melts away the longer you stay. This is a big incentive to put down roots, and it rewards buyers who are ready to commit to a neighborhood for the long haul.
The Catch: Homes Must Be on the Official UPLIFT Property List
You cannot use UPLIFT on any home you find on Zillow or your favorite real estate app. The program only works on homes from the state's official UPLIFT property list. Right now, that list includes 96 homes in Baltimore City spread across 5 developments, with more coming to the Eastern Shore, including the Pocomoke City area.
The state updates the property list on the 1st and 15th of each month, so availability changes regularly. Homes can come on and come off the list, which means you want to check it often and be ready to move quickly when the right property appears. You can find the official list at the Maryland Mortgage Program's UPLIFT page and the DHCD housing development page linked in the video description.
Who Qualifies for UPLIFT?
UPLIFT is built for first-time home buyers working through the Maryland Mortgage Program. Because the program flows through the Maryland Mortgage Program, you'll need to meet that program's general eligibility requirements — things like income limits, credit standards, and the property being your primary residence.
One important thing to understand: there are rules around stacking UPLIFT with other assistance programs. Not every form of down payment help can be layered on top of UPLIFT, so you'll want to talk to a lender who knows the program's current guidelines before assuming you can combine benefits. The video notes a "$20K stacking question" as its own topic, which tells you this is something buyers are already asking about — and worth clarifying early in your process.
How to Get to the Front of the Line
Because there are a limited number of homes on the UPLIFT list and the list updates twice a month, timing matters. Getting pre-approved through a Maryland Mortgage Program-approved lender before you start shopping is the smartest first step. Buyers who already have their financing lined up are in a much stronger position when a home they love hits the list.
The state's property list is publicly available and updated regularly, so you can track it yourself — but working with an agent who is already familiar with UPLIFT means you won't be learning the process while the clock is ticking on a home you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use UPLIFT on any home in Maryland?
No. UPLIFT only applies to homes on the state's official UPLIFT property list. Right now that includes 96 homes in Baltimore City across 5 developments, plus properties coming to the Eastern Shore including Pocomoke City. You cannot use this program on a home you find through a regular real estate search.
Do I have to make monthly payments on the 5% loan?
No. The UPLIFT assistance is a deferred loan with zero interest and no monthly payment. You repay it when you sell, refinance, or pay off the home.
What happens to the second "soft" note if I stay in the home?
The appraisal-gap note that comes with many UPLIFT homes shrinks by 20% for every year you live there. After five years of living in the home, that note is fully gone.
How often does the official property list change?
The state updates the UPLIFT property list on the 1st and 15th of every month, so new homes can appear — and existing ones can be removed — twice a month. Check it regularly and be ready to act fast.
Ready to Find Out If UPLIFT Is Right for You?
UPLIFT is one of the most generous assistance packages Maryland has ever offered for first-time buyers — covering both your down payment and closing costs with a zero-interest, no-monthly-payment loan. But the property list is limited, it changes often, and the stacking rules mean you need to get your ducks in a row before you start shopping.
The best move you can make right now is to find out exactly where you stand. See which Maryland programs you qualify for and get personalized guidance on whether UPLIFT — or another Maryland Mortgage Program option — is the right fit for your situation. Don't wait for the perfect home to pop up on the list before you figure out your financing.
This article is for education only and is not financial or legal advice. Program details change; verify with the program administrator. Not affiliated with any government agency or the Maryland Mortgage Program.